Recipes — holiday recipes

5 Creative Brownie Recipes That Even Grandma Would Approve of

A cross between cookies and cake, brownies are a baker's dream. All you have to do is mix the ingredients; bake the batter; and in 30 minutes, you have a chewy, gooey, or cakey treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

But while the boxed stuff delivers every time, there's nothing more rewarding than baking brownies from scratch – especially if you want to experiment with new ingredients and flavors.

So, if you want to celebrate National Brownie Day⁽¹⁾ (December 8th) with a bang, these creative brownie recipes will shake up your baking routine in the most exciting way possible.

1. Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

While brownies don't have a rep for being healthy, this take begs to differ. Loaded with zucchini and whole wheat flour, the treat is rich in potassium and fiber, which is always a plus. The recipe also calls for nuts, adding a crunch and heart-friendly fats to the mix. Finally, a brownie you can feel good about eating!

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups dried zucchini
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups walnuts, chopped

Directions:

1. Add the zucchini to a bowl along with 5 cups of warm water. Soak for 15 minutes. Remove from the bowl, squeeze slightly (make sure not to remove all the water), and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350^oF and grease a 9x13 baking pan.
3. Add the olive oil, vanilla extract, and sugar to a large bowl and stir to combine.
4. Mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda and mix once again until they're fully incorporated.
5. Fold in the zucchini and let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
6. Mix in the walnuts and transfer the batter to the pan.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick that's inserted into the brownie comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven, let cool, and cut into pieces.

2. Chocolate Sweet Potato Brownies

Pureed sweet potatoes provide the base for this brownie recipe, which is both easy and foolproof. A dollop of nut butter also makes the treat irresistibly chewy, while applesauce adds enough moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups dried sweet potatoes
• 1/3 cup nut butter of choice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup applesauce
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup pecans (chopped) or dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Add the sweet potato to a pot along with 4 cups of water. Soak for 15 minutes. Then, bring the water to a boil and cook until they're fork tender. Transfer to a large bowl and mash with the back of a fork.
2. Add the remaining ingredients one at a time until you have a thick dough.
3. Preheat the oven to 350^oF and grease an 8x8 baking pan.
4. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick that's inserted in the brownie comes out clean.
5. Remove from the oven, let cool, and cut to pieces.

3. Chocolate Raspberry Brownies

Great things can happen when raspberries meet chocolate, and this brownie recipe is living proof. Fudgy and wholesome: the dessert is the perfect way to round out any meal. Ready to discover another side to brownies?

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup all purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup dark chocolate
• 2 eggs
• ¾ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups freeze dried raspberries

Directions:

1. Add the raspberries to a bowl along with 3 cups of warm water. Soak for 15 minutes. Squeeze away excess liquid and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350^oF and grease an 8x8 baking pan.
3. In a small bowl, mix the flour and cocoa and set aside.
4. Add the butter and chocolate to a heat-proof bowl and set over a pot with boiling water (double boiler). Keep stirring until everything is melted. Then, remove the heat.
5. Stir in the sugar and beat well. Whisk in the eggs one at a time and, then, the flour mixture. Fold in the raspberries.
6. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and bake 30-35 minutes or until you insert a toothpick and it comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven, let cool, and cut into pieces.

4. Chocolate Black Bean Brownies

You may be used to adding black beans to savory dishes like salads and dips. But this brownie recipe proves the legume is great for desserts, as well. Plus, black beans are abundant in nutrients⁽²⁾ (from protein to fiber), making this brownie mix slightly more nourishing than the boxed stuff.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dehydrated black beans
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup honey
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips or nuts (chopped)

Directions:

1. Add the beans to a pot along with 3 cups of water. Soak overnight. The next day, bring the water to a boil and cook until fork-tender. Remove from the water and transfer to a large bowl.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until everything is combined evenly.
3. Preheat the oven to 350^oF and grease an 8x8 baking pan.
4. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick that's inserted in the brownie comes out clean.
5. Remove from the oven, let cool, and cut into pieces.

5. Strawberry Cream Cheese Brownies

Chances are you have a block of cream cheese standing in your fridge, and chances are you use it just to schmear your bagels. But, if you want to make the richest, most delicious brownies ever, we urge you to mix some of it with strawberries and drizzle the topping all over your brownie batter. Now that’s next-level indulgence!

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/3 cups dark chocolate
• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 2 egg yolks
• ¾ cup organic crunchy strawberries

Directions:

1. Add the strawberries to a bowl along with 2 cups of warm water. Soak for 15 minutes. Squeeze away excess liquid and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350^oF and grease a 9x13 baking pan.
3. Add the flour and cocoa powder to a bowl and mix well to combine.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over medium heat. Whisk in the granulated sugar and 1 ½ cups of the powdered sugar and remove from the heat.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla extract one at a time and mix until you have a thick batter.
6. Whisk in the flour mixture until everything is evenly combined.
7. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and set aside.
8. In another bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, raspberries, egg yolks, and the remaining ¼ cup of powdered sugar.
9. Place spoonfuls of the cream cheese topping on the brownie and use a knife to swirl it around.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick that's inserted in the brownie comes out clean.
11. Remove from the oven, let cool, and cut into pieces.

Which of these brownie recipes would you try for National Brownie Day? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

1. National Brownie Day in 2021/2022 - When, Where, Why, How is Celebrated? (holidayscalendar.com)
2. FoodData Central (usda.gov)
3. https://iambaker.net/zucchini-brownies/
4. https://www.acouplecooks.com/sweet-potato-brownies/
5. https://cookienameddesire.com/fudgy-raspberry-brownies/
6. https://joyfoodsunshine.com/black-bean-brownies/
7. https://therecipecritic.com/strawberry-cheesecake-brownies/

5 Valentine's Day Desserts That Are Sinfully Delicious

Fancy gifts and cheesy cards may be everywhere come February 14th, but we all know that the real star of Valentine's Day is good food. And yes, vegetable salads and entree soups are a must when it comes to swooning your S.O., but let's be honest: What we all look forward to the most on this day is dessert! So, if you want to cap off the night in the sweetest way possible (without spending the entire day in the kitchen), these five Valentine's Day desserts are bound to deliver.

1. Strawberry Mousse

Requiring just five ingredients, this Valentine's Day recipe can be a go-to for everyone who has very little time but still wants to impress their beau (or boo). Sometimes keeping it simple yields the best results.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups freeze dried strawberries
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/ tsp lime juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

• In a bowl, add the strawberries and enough water to cover them. Let them hydrate for 15 minutes, remove excess liquid, and puree them using a fork.
• Next, add the sugar, lime juice, and strawberries to a saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook them, frequently stirring, until you are left with ¾ cup worth of mixture. Set aside to cool.
• Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract to a bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Stir in the strawberry mixture and serve it in small cups.

2. Cherry Brownies

Baking brownies may seem like an overkill (especially when you have to prep an entire three-course meal), but this one-and-done variation is literally a Godsend. Ready in almost 30 minutes, this Valentine's Day recipe spares you the hassle but makes no discounts flavor-wise. So, you and your sweetheart won't be disappointed. PS: To make things more exciting, you can make them look like hearts, Cupid's arrows, or your initials.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup freeze dried cherries
• 3 eggs
• 3 tbsp hazelnuts, chopped
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions:

• Add half a cup of water to a bowl and let the cherries soak in it for about 15 minutes. Then, squeeze away any excess liquid and set them aside.
• Next, preheat the oven to 300^oF and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, add the coconut oil and eggs and blend with an electric mixer until frothy.
• Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract and mix again.
• Now, add the flour, baking powder, and salt and blend once again until you form a batter.
• Fold in the hazelnuts, chocolate chips, and cherries, and spread the batter into the pan.
• Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Once ready, remove from the oven, let cool, and cut into square pieces.
• (Optional) You could drizzle the brownies with red candy melts.

3. Chocolate Raspberry Panini

Serving paninis on such a special occasion may sound silly. But, between its fancy ingredients and intricate flavor combos, this adult-ish version tastes 10x better than the paninis we used to down as kids – so, it could make your V-Day one to remember.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf Ciabatta
• ¼ cup freeze dried raspberries
• 1/3 cup almond butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ cup bittersweet chocolate, melted
• Pinch of cinnamon
• 2-3 tbsp unsalted butter

Directions:

• Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add the raspberries. Let them soak for 15 minutes or until they hydrate.
• Meanwhile, cut the loaf into four rectangles. Then, using your hands, open up each rectangle, creating some sort of bread pocket with each.
• In a bowl, add the almond butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon, and spread 2-3 tbsp of the mixture onto each rectangle.
• Top with the raspberries, brush each bread pocket with butter and pop them into the press.
• Grill for 2-3 minutes and serve. If you feel like it, you can drizzle them with more chocolate and crumbled freeze dried fruit.

4. Berry Flapjacks

When it comes to love, there are no rules – which is why Valentine's Day is the perfect day to serve breakfast for dinner. Your better half will never see that coming, and chances are he/she will remember it for a long time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• ¾ cup Berry De-lite Blend
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions:

• Add 1 ½ cup of water to a bowl and soak the Berry De-lite berries for about 15 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients (flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt).
• Whisk in the egg, milk, and berries, one at a time.
• Heat a non-stick pan and melt the butter over medium heat.
• Pour one-third of the batter onto the pan and cook for a couple of minutes. Then, flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the pancake is cooked through.
• Repeat the last step with the remaining batter.
• Top with crumbled freeze dried fruit.
• Serve with maple/chocolate syrup or as is.

5. Chocolate-Covered Red Grape Truffles

Despite its fancy flair, this Valentine's Day recipe is, hands-down, one of the easiest things you'll ever have to make for your honey. And if you're having second thoughts about the red grapes (you know, because scoring some in the middle of February is almost impossible), note that our freeze dried red grapes are available all-year-round. So, problem solved!

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp freeze dried grapes
• ½ cup Medjool dates, pitted
• ½ cup almond butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup dark chocolate
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Directions:

• Place the red grapes in a food processor and blend until they turn into a chunky powder.
• Then, add the dates and pulse again in long bursts until you form a thick paste. You may need to stop at times and scrape the sides with a spatula.
• Then, add the almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt and pulse until you have a smooth "dough."
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Using a spoon, scoop spoonfuls of the dough and place them on the baking sheet. Put them in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
• Now, add the chocolate to a heatproof bowl and place it over a pot with simmering water (double boiler). Once melted, stir in the coconut oil.
• Remove the truffles from the freezer and, with the help of two forks, dunk each one in the chocolate and roll it around to make sure it's evenly coated.
• Place them on the baking sheet and freeze once again for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Which Valentine's Day recipes are you planning on cooking for your S.O.? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

1. https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/strawberry-mousse/
2. https://www.natalieshealth.com/dark-chocolate-cherry-brownies/
3. https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/chocolate-raspberry-panini-with-mascarpone-359814
4. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/american-blueberry-pancakes

6 Festive Holiday Appetizers For Your Holiday Table

Whipping up a batch of festive holiday appetizers can be a tricky business, and these treats need to wow your guests, healthy enough to not put you in a food coma, and easy enough to prep en masse. It sounds like a lot of work for something that'll just “warm up” your guests' bellies, but to help you deal with all this kitchen drama and spend more time with your friends, we rounded up six of our favorite holiday appetizers that take minutes to put together and are bound to amaze your guests.

1. Baked Mashed Potato Balls

One dish that screams “holiday” – mashed potatoes. Even though it's a must, the festive holiday appetizer is the reason behind a pile of dirty dishes and potential carpet stains. To spare yourself the hassle, serve your mashed potatoes in the form of these bite-sized balls – delicious!
Ingredients:
2 cups freeze dried potatoes
2 medium eggs, beaten
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400^o
2. In a large bowl add the potatoes and pour just enough water to see the dices float. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
3. Once that happens, remove the water and mash them until they are smooth.
4. Add the salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and stir until they are evenly combined.
5. Place the breadcrumbs and eggs into two different bowls and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Using your hands, form small balls with the mashed potato puree and dredge them first in egg and then in breadcrumbs.
7. Place them on the baking sheet and put them in the oven.
8. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until they turn gold.

 

2. Red Bell Pepper Feta Bites

Let's be honest: Feta makes everything taste betta – this yummy appetizer deserves a spot on your holiday menu. The treat also packs a great nutritional punch thanks to feta's protein⁽¹⁾ and red pepper's vitamin C⁽²⁾_.
Ingredients:
1 cup feta cheese, cubed
1/3 cup dehydrated red bell peppers
Directions:

1. Cut the cheese into bite-sized cubes.
2. Then, add the red bell peppers into a bowl.
3. Dunk the feta cubes into the bowl piece by piece, making sure each cube is completely coated with the flakes.
4. Put a toothpick in each cube for easy picking.

 

3. “Bacon” and Caramelized Onion Crostinis

Ask any foodie, and they'll tell you that crostinis are the perfect holiday appetizer. The bread-and-smear combo is a huge time-saver, but also a great way to “prep” your guests for the main course. If you ran out of healthy topping ideas, this delicious crostini recipe is here to save the day. Swapping regular bacon for TVP Bacon Bits, this take on the classic treat gives you an early start on those healthy eating resolutions.
Ingredients:
1 loaf of rustic bread, cut in ½-inch slices
1 cup TVP bacon bits
5 tbsp olive oil
3 medium onions, peeled and sliced
½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400^oF and brush the bread slices with 3 tbsp of olive oil.
2. Place them onto a baking sheet and bake them for 2-3 minutes or until they turn gold.
3. Remove them from the oven and set them aside.
4. Add the remaining olive oil to a pan and bring to a simmer.
5. Then, stir in the balsamic vinegar and the sliced onion, and cook until it's translucent.
6. Once it's cooked thoroughly, add the TVP Bacon Bits and sauté for a couple of minutes.
7. Then, remove the mixture from the heat and set it aside.
8. Once it's cool, scoop some of it on top of your baked bread slices and serve.

 

4. Hasselback Potato Bites

Between their layers and nose-tingling aroma, roasted Hasselback potatoes are a thing of beauty. What happens when you add a bunch of drool-worthy ingredients to the mix: bacon, sour cream, and chives? You’ve got yourself a festive holiday appetizer for your everyone to devour, that's what happens. Are you ready to dig in?
Ingredients:
6 small potatoes, rinsed
1 tbsp TVP Bacon Bits
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp dehydrated chives
A pinch of salt, for seasoning
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400^oF and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. After rinsing them thoroughly, make several vertical cuts through the potatoes without reaching all the way to the other side.
3. Place the potatoes on the baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt.
4. Roast for about half an hour until they are fork tender.
5. Remove them from the oven and set aside to cool.
6. Then, place a few of the TVP Bacon Bits between the slices, coat with sour cream, and sprinkle with dehydrated chives and the remaining Bacon Bits.

 

5. Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower

It's no secret that we're big fans of cauliflower here at MEP HQ. From reducing inflammation to improving digestion, the cruciferous vegetable boosts our health in more ways than. This roasted parmesan cauliflower recipe takes minutes to put together, plus it's delicious. Top with chopped parsley or pomegranate seeds for a slightly festive vibe.
Ingredients:
1 cup of freeze dried cauliflower pearls
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Directions:

1. Add the cauliflower pearls to a bowl. Then, pour just enough water to make them float.
2. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes until they are rehydrated.
3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400^oF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Once the pearls are hydrated, remove them from the water and add them in a bowl along with the rest of the ingredients. Stir well until they are evenly combined.
5. Then, place them onto the baking sheet and roast them for about 20 minutes or until they're fork-tender. Toss with a spatula halfway through to make sure they're evenly cooked.

 

6. Red Bean Hummus with Pita Chips

Hummus may not exactly be what you'd call “festive.” But, this go-to dip can turn into a bonafide magnet for your crackers and crudites if you add the right ingredients. Don't believe us? Let red bean hummus recipe change your mind.
Ingredients:
2 cups of dehydrated red beans
2 tbsp dehydrated celery
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
The juice of 1 lemon
1/8 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
½ tsp dehydrated chives, for serving
Directions:

1. Add the red beans, celery, and garlic to a pot along with 4 cups of water.
2. Simmer the veggies over low heat for about 20 minutes, and then using a sieve, drain all the water. Reserve 1-2 cups of the water.
3. Add the red beans, celery, and garlic to a food processor as well as the rest of the ingredients and pulse for a few minutes.
4. If the mixture is too thick, add some of the water you reserved or 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
5. Serve with baked pita chips or crackers.

So, which of these festive holiday appetizers would you add to this year's Christmas menu list? Let us know in the comments below!
References:

1. https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/19
2. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/